A newbie here from The Netherlands; been looking around for a long time and i thought it was time to register..... At this time i'm 38 years old and been studying bass for a little more than 6 months now. I hope that i will make a lot of (bass)friends here and will learn a lot at the same time. Btw, my main hero is Mark King from Level 42.

GRAAAAAAAAP-JEU-EU! Welcome brother Frits. From the hero side you're in a goodleague. Don't hero too much because we firmly believe in our own values and choices. That is TYPICALLY Alembic I guess. Already playing one? Watch out ... it IS and addiction! Ask Brother Rami!!

Thanks for your kind words, and Palembic: i certainly won't "Hero" too much (it's not my way imho) Btw, i do not own an Alembic yet, i'm certainly not good enough to do so, but who knows: maybe in the (near) future (already saving for one!)

I don't think you need to be good enough to own anything, especially an Alembic. You just need to be committed, have an appreciation of quality of the finer things in life,and ...oh...some money would help. It's the last one that generally stops me getting hold of things!

Well said Alan. I'm not the most accomplished player here but do have a bond with my Epic that makes me strive to improve. Don't wait until you think you are good enough. When it's in your budget go for it. You won't regret it I promise. Good luck with your learning. What are you playing now?

Thnx for your positive input, but (whether you think it to be foolish or not) i think i need to play "very good" at least, to buy myself an Alembic bass. Sorry, but that's the way i feel (no offense intended!) Btw, money is indeed a serious issue but hey: owning an Alembic is worth it! imho And to answer the question what bass i'm playing now? (i can already hear you laughing, i guess) It's a "Hartke" bass; Ok, i had to start somewhere, but i'm indeed committed enough to work and play myself towards an Alembic......

I didn't mean to imply that I think you foolish. Not at all. And there's nothing wrong with starting up on a Hartke. That was my first bass after a twenty + year layoff from playing. It let me know that I really was interested before putting out a lot of cash. It also served as a good trade in on a P-Bass. Sometimes I wish that I had kept it because I'm the sentimental sort. I still use Hartke for amplification. Enjoy it and if I can make one suggestion, get a metronome. It will frustrate the crap out of you but it's a good learning tool. Again, just mho.

Bassplayer, welcome to the club. It is hard for someone who honestly feels he isn't ready for an Alembic to actually make the jump. If I can be so bold to speak for the bulk of the club members, we all have taken the step and are happy we did. I think it is great that you are seriously looking at Alembic so early in your time as a bass player. I waited 30+ years. Please don't do that. Even though you are happy with your current gear, an Alembic is a real treat. You don't have to be a professional Indianapolis 500 driver to appreciate a great sports car. You don't have to be a top player to fall in love with the feel and sound of an Alembic. I hope you're having a great time playing the bass. I can't imagine what my life would be like without music in it, both listening and playing. Rich

Bassplayer, I endorse all the views above. The most important thing to me is to be able to play. I have only just got my Alembic and very pleased I did. I also have other basses which I'm very fond of and would not part with. Still looking to get another Alembic though, made to my exact specifications...they are that good.

Sorry for the late reply (been busy for the last couple of days). Thnx for the latest replies (The Mule, bracheen, richbass939 and alanbass1). Thinking about an Alembic was because of one of my friends, who is also a bassplayer (the instrument i mean, NOT the name :-) ) and he once said that "an Alembic is the Rolls Royce among basses". I am now convinced that he wasn't overreacting, but the main thing is (unfortunately for ME) the pricetag that comes along with it. But like i said, i'm practicing, working AND saving hard to get there.

Best regards,

Bassplayer

P.s.: it already feels good to be a part of such a wonderful (Bassplaying)family.

Frits, save a bit of money & pick up a good pre-owned Alembic to start....this will give you a good feel & appreciation for the product.

An Alembic will make you a better player simply because you will feel the responsibility to perform up to the standards of an Alembic. Every time you strap one on, a sense of pride and accomplishment sets in, and away you go.....

No, that's not right - it's not about feeling intimidated by the instrument. The point is it will make wonderful sounds, be more responsive to your touch, you'll want to play it more - and it will help you to become a better musician. Or just have more fun.

It's more of a privilege - pleasure, really - than a responsibility.

Find a decent used one, and it will be well worth the money. Don't wait 20-30 years, as so many of us have, ultimately wishing we had more foresight than hindsight.

It's been a while since my latest post (sorry for that), but i would like to say that i became VERY motivated by all of your (positive) input. I'm studying even harder to get better and better, AND saving to the point where i will actually own my first Alembic! I have been thinking of a preowned Alembic actually, but where should i look for one? Any advices?